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ARTICLE · 01 OCTOBER 2012

New parents now have new rights: Changes to parental leave

Holding Redlich
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Employers should review parental leave policies to ensure that they provide for these changes and comply with the FWA.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
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On 1 October 2012, the remaining provisions of the Paid Parental Leave and Other Legislation Amendment (Dad and Partner Pay and Other Measure) Act 2012 (Act) commence, giving rise to new rights of employees who have become parents and associated rights for employers. We set out below some important changes to parental leave.

Dad and Partner Pay

Employees who become parents to a baby born or a child adopted on or after 1 January 2013 and who take unpaid time off during the first 12 months after the birth or adoption, may be eligible for government-funded Dad and Partner Pay of up to 2 weeks at the National Minimum Wage (which is currently $606.40 per week), under the Australian Government Paid Parental Leave Scheme.

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